Our Story

Where It All Began

From humble beginnings to local trust

What started as a modest local shop fueled by a passion for dependable machinery has grown into a multi-generational cornerstone of the Kitchener-Waterloo community.

From day one, Kitchener Tractor Centre was built on a simple promise: to treat every customer like family and back every machine with unwavering honesty. Over the decades, as the community expanded and the technology evolved, our core values never shifted. Today, we remain proudly family-owned, connecting homeowners, commercial landscapers, and hobby farmers with the industry’s finest equipment. We didn't earn our community's trust overnight. Instead, we built it one handshake, one reliable part, and one generation at a time.

THE KITCHENER TRACTOR CENTRE LEGACY TIMELINE

Foundations of Craftsmanship (1928–1961)

Foundations of Craftsmanship (1928–1961)

  • 1928: James Sallans establishes a blacksmith shop, becoming well-known for handling the toughest horses and building custom wagons for milk trucks.
  • 1945: Roy (Mike) Sallans opens a welding shop, specializing in building farrowing crates.
  • 1958: Brothers Willard and Mike Sallans begin focusing on farm equipment repairs.
  • 1960: The business officially forms as Sallans Brothers Farm Equipment, selling Choreboy milking parlor systems.

Innovation & Expansion (1962–1972)

  • 1962: The dealership expands its lineup by selling Renault tractors.
  • 1968: A major milestone is reached by acquiring the Allis Chalmers dealership near Ayr.
  • 1970: Facilities are modernized with new office space, a parts department, and a raised shop roof for larger equipment.
  • 1971: The company officially incorporates as Sallans Broth Inc..
Innovation & Expansion (1962–1972)
Regional Leadership & Growth (1973–1989)

Regional Leadership & Growth (1973–1989)

  • 1975–1976: Growth necessitates a massive new facility; construction begins on a 12,000 sq. ft. store—the largest in the area at the time.
  • 1978: The family takes over the Allis Chalmers dealership in Brantford and adds Gehl Farm Equipment to their offerings.
  • 1979: The dealership achieves international recognition, ranking as the top Allis Chalmers dealer in Ontario and 32nd in North America.
  • 1982: Following a reorganization, the name changes to Sallans Equipment Ltd., with Wally running the Kitchener location and Jeff managing Brantford.
  • 1982: Willard Sallans features in a television commercial with country music legend Loretta Lynn.

Strategic Diversification (1990–2025)

  • 1990: Willard Sallans retires; sons Wally and Jeff take over operations as Kitchener Tractor Centre Inc..
  • 1992–2002: The company aggressively expands its product lines to include Walker, Simplicity, Ferris, Lawnboy, Yanmar excavators, and Komatsu equipment.
  • 1993–1998: Innovation continues with the purchase of Precision Industries, manufacturing sprayers directly at the Kitchener site.
  • 2008: A major facility upgrade adds a new showroom and an expanded parts department.
  • 2010: The company becomes a founding partner of Connect Equipment Corp, a collaboration spanning 10 locations.
Strategic Diversification (1990–2025)
A New Chapter (2026–Present)

A New Chapter (2026–Present)

  • 2023–2025: Following the loss of Wally Sallans and a territory realignment, the family prepares for a fresh start.
  • 2026: Reopening as Kitchener Tractor Centre Inc., the company enters its second century of service to the agricultural community.
OUR VALUES THROUGH THE YEARS

What Has Always Stayed the Same

Customer-first mindset

Customer-first mindset

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We listen, we care, and we're here to help you get the job done.

Honest advice and service

Honest advice and service

We believe in straight answers and practical solutions. You can count on us for honest advice and service you can trust.

Reliability and workmanship

Reliability and workmanship

We stand behind our work and the equipment we sell. Quality, reliability, and attention to detail are what we're known for.

Long-term relationships

Long-term relationships

We're not here for a quick sale. We're here for the long haul—building relationships that last for generations to come.